Francis was the front-man/guitarist for Prog pop band, It Bites, and he has also played with numerous other musos including Robert Plant, Lauryn Hill, and Santana to name a few.
This is quite a heartwarming record as this material was mostly written by Francis’s brother, Baz, with his own band Necormandus, and he had promised his mother he would re-record them before she died. I suppose you would describe the music as heavy Prog with a very early seventies vibe. I can listen to Francis’s solo material all day, and Once Around The World is one of my favourite albums ever, so when I knew this was coming out I was excited to say the least – and it doesn’t disappoint.
Opening track, Frankenstein Monster, is a great tune with a superb vocal by Francis and some killer guitar. Don’t Look Down is very seventies with a killer riff and groove – I love the extended jam section. Limpet Man reminds of Free as the chords are very Kossoff and have that bluesy feel. Ho Ho Your Sandwiches is my favourite track. I love Francis’ vocals as he seems to be channeling his inner Peter Gabriel – plus his guitar playing is exceptional.
I think the production is spot on as it does not take away from the seventies vibe of the album. The whole album is a great homage to his brother.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
